Sous Chef

The Rusty Pelican Miami; Key Biscayne (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading compensation package

Comprehensive Health Plans

401k with annual employer match

Paid Sick Time renewed yearly

Education Assistance Program (EdAP)

Job summary

A premier waterfront dining venue in Key Biscayne seeks a Sous Chef to oversee kitchen operations. Responsibilities include collaborating with the Executive Chef, ensuring high food quality and presentation, and leading kitchen staff in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in fine dining and culinary education. The position offers competitive compensation of $70+ per year along with significant benefits including health plans and a 401k with employer match.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a high-volume, fine dining restaurant.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest quality and presentation standards.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Skills

Strong leadership and communication skills

In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

Creative and passionate about food

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About Us:

Rusty Pelican, Miami is an iconic waterfront dining destination, celebrated for its breathtaking views of the Miami skyline, vibrant energy, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Known as the place to celebrate life's most memorable moments, the Rusty Pelican seamlessly blends sophistication, flavor, and fun in a way only Miami can.

Our restaurant features a fresh, coastal‑inspired menu highlighting the best in locally sourced seafood, premium steaks, and globally influenced small plates—perfect for sharing. Guests enjoy creative craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and elevated hospitality, whether they're dining al fresco or toasting inside our stunning event spaces.

A favorite of locals, celebrities, and visitors alike, Rusty Pelican Miami has earned numerous accolades, including "Most Scenic Restaurant" by OpenTable, "Most Romantic Restaurant" by Thrillist, "Best Sunday Brunch" by Miami New Times, and consistent praise in the Miami food scene. With over $25MM in annual revenue, it's not just a restaurant—it's a landmark.

Our mission at Rusty Pelican, Miami is to always innovate and consistently deliver a 5‑star experience for our teams, guests, and community. We are all about advancement and growth from within, collaboration, teamwork, and creating a positive work environment.

We look forward to adding our next valued team member!

Competitive Benefits:

• Industry-leading compensation package
• Comprehensive Health Plans that include a variety of medical and dental plans, employer contribution for yourself and dependents.
• Lifestyle Spending Account benefit, which supports you and your family in numerous ways such as through gym memberships, childcare, student loans & more!
• Variety of Supplemental Benefit Plans for life's unknowns
• 401k with annual employer match after 12 months employment
• Employer paid life Insurance throughout the length of employment
• Monthly Reward Dollars to use at various company locations.
• Accrued Paid Vacation
• Paid/Floating holidays for 5 major holidays
• Paid Sick Time renewed yearly
• Education Assistance Program (EdAP) for hospitality related education growth
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist with work life balance
• Management Referral Program with up to a $4,000 payout for qualifying management positions

Pay: $70+ / year

Position Summary:

As a Sous Chef, you will play a crucial role in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will work closely with the Executive Chef to develop and execute menu items, manage kitchen staff, and maintain a productive and efficient kitchen environment.

Job Duties:

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Develop and execute menu items that align with our restaurant's standards and customer preferences.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest quality and presentation standards.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels, ensuring proper stock rotation and minimizing waste.
• Uphold all health and safety regulations, ensuring a clean and sanitary kitchen.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to create new dishes and seasonal menus.
• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and report any issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Manage food cost and labor budgets, working to optimize efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of orders during service hours.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef or General Manager at any time.

Education/ Experience/ Skills:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a high-volume, fine dining restaurant.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Creative and passionate about food, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent lifting, moving, and carrying of kitchenware, cleaning equipment, food boxes, garbage etc. weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Standing for the duration of a 6+ hour shift with appropriate breaks.
• Regular and prolonged standing and walking to prepare food, clean workstations, move garbage, etc.
• Occasional ascending/descending stairs across the restaurant to move food items, equipment, etc.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Frequent use of hand to finger motions, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms.
• Constant bending, stooping and turning, etc.
• Constant exposure to hot and damp temperature fluctuations.

Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.

Specialty Restaurants Corporation maintains a drug free workplace.

All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check.